High resolution 20 GHz wideband delay generator

A digitally-programmable method for linearly controlling signal delay over a wide frequency and delay range has been developed. Circuits were fabricated in the HRLʹs G2+ InP HBT technology. Test results at 20 GHz confirm simulation results, showing a 5 ps range in delay, ramped in 16 steps to provide a 0.3 ps resolution step. Larger delay ranges are possible by combining several of the delay cells in series.